The Tivoli Theater is a classic experience

How often do You get a lot more than You expected?

Tonight my wife, daughter, mother, father, and I attended a screening of the movie 'Cars' at the Tivoli Theater (http://www.classiccinemas.com/history/tivoli.asp) in Downers Grove, Illinois.

The movie was a little slow in spots, but deserves credit for the sophistication and artistry of its animation, its surprising promotion the wholesome values of friendship, loyalty, self-sacrifice, and appreciation of simple pleasures and natural beauty. 'Cars' makes an appeal to recall a nearly forgotten time, when road trips 'out west' were not merely a means to reach a destination, but were prized for the beauty and social dimension of the journey itself, whose pre-interstate era route and pace brought its travellers into closer contact with nature and the people along the way.

This message was well conveyed at the Tivoli, a theater opened in 1928, which not only has escaped the wrecking ball of time, but boldly speaks a happy message of confident and youthful tradition. The anachronistic three dollar admission perhaps prepares one to expect a decrepit box with gummy seats, sticky floors, and a tiny screen, but at the Tivoli we were greeted by a building with a vigorous architecture and beautifully restored and improved interior. Bold color scheme. Gold leaf paint. Good amenities. Comfortable seating, a large screen, good picture quality and very good sound.

Before the movie an organist skillfully enlivened the audience with the 3-manual Wurlitzer. The interaction between the organist and the appreciative audience was a real treat. After the movie, complementary candies were offered to the exiting patrons.

I have to applaud the owners and management of the Tivoli, who provided not just a good movie experience, but an evening of family entertainment that went beyond the movie, and was worth well more than the admission fee. I don't know another theater in the Chicago area I'd rather attend. Thanks to You, and keep up the great work!